5 Dark Horse Candidates to Make Miami Dolphins' 53-Man Roster

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The majority of the Miami Dolphins' 2014 53-man roster, which will be finalized about a week before their Week 1 showdown with the New England Patriots, can be projected before training camp even commences. Like in any other summer, though, there will undoubtedly be a few big surprises. Here are five dark horse candidates who shouldn't be ruled out.

5. Damien Williams, RB

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5. Damien Williams, RB

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The entire Dolphins' depth chart at running back is a question mark entering camp. Knowshon Moreno is in danger of being relegated to a situational role given a knee issue and Daniel Thomas is presumably on thin ice. Thus, a roster spot at the position is certainly up for grabs. Oklahoma product Damien Williams has some raw ability and could claim it.

4. Terrence Fede, DE

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4. Terrence Fede, DE

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Second-year defensive end Dion Jordan's four-game suspension will leave the Dolphins down a pass rusher for a quarter of the season. Thus, a potential spot could open up for seventh-round selection Terrence Fede on the 53-man squad. Fede has outstanding measurables to begin with, so perhaps he didn't even need Jordan's ban to make the team. He'll need to prove he's a quick study to stick, though.

3. Brock Jensen, QB

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3. Brock Jensen, QB

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a promising starter in Ryan Tannehill and a quality backup in Matt Moore, the Dolphins appear committed to carrying three quarterbacks on their roster. Pat Devlin is once again the favorite to be the No. 3, but he'll need to display more consistency than he did last summer to secure the spot. If not, Brock Jensen will have a chance to beat him out. The job will be Jensen's if he can outplay Devlin during the preseason.

2. Matt Hazel, WR

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2. Matt Hazel, WR

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This year's draft featured perhaps the most talented crop of receivers ever. Consequently, a solid prospect like Matt Hazel slipped to the sixth round. Still, in Miami, on such a deep receiver corps, Hazel is considered a long shot to make the 53-man roster. Barring a surprise cut, the team's top five receivers appear set in stone. Nothing is stopping the Dolphins from keeping six, though, if Hazel impresses.

1. Tyler Larsen, C

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1. Tyler Larsen, C

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Perceived to be a possible mid-round selection in advance of May's draft, Tyler Larsen didn't hear his name called in a deep class. He was a steal for Miami as an undrafted free agent, though. He's a true center on a team without its starter at the position after Mike Pouncey underwent hip surgery. With Pouncey likely out for most of the season's first half, Larsen has an opportunity to claim a roster spot with a proficient summer.